Farm Bill Mixed Bag for New Farmers

The Story

• The latest version of the Farm Bill, currently up for reauthorization, includes provisions designed to address the shortage of young, new farmers in the United States.

Why It Matters

• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average age for farmers is 58 and has been rising for 30 years. There are six times more farmers 65 and older than there are farmers 34 and younger. If the trend continues, there won’t be enough farmers to grow our food in the future.
• In floor debate on the bill, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX) said it “fails our next generation… It underfunds our programs for beginning farmers and outreach to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.”
• The bill does include elements of support for beginning farmers. For instance, the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program, which funds training, outreach, and education programs for beginning farmers, will be reauthorized under the bill.
• The Conservation Reserve Program-Transition Incentive Program would include support for young and beginning farmers during the transition process when land comes back into production after a fallow period.
• However, the National Young Farmers Coalition has concerns about the bill. Young and beginning farmers and ranchers tend to start small and capitalize on the local food industry. Because the bill eliminates several support systems for organic certification and local food systems, the NYFC believes beginning farmers will take a hit. 
• Others criticize the bill for falling short on providing access to credit for beginning farmers.

What do you think?

Should the Farm Bill include more supports for beginning farmers? Hit Take Action, then share your thoughts below.

--Sara E. Murphy